An SIII update and the hot new Moto X

Also, an insanely spec’d 20-megapixel flagship smartphone from Sony

For Samsung Galaxy S III owners here’s a bit of hope as there’s an upgrade on the cards to Android 4.2.2 or 4.3. It’s rumoured that Samsung is working on releasing a new version of TouchWiz soon. If Google announces Android 4.3 soon, it’s likely that we’ll see the 4.3 TouchWiz-ed version directly – interesting to see the new features that will come along with it.

As the potential announcement for Motorola’s Moto X phone draws closer, we’ve got a hands-on video from a Vietnamese source that shows off the physical traits of the phone. Juxtaposed with an iPhone 5, the Moto X doesn’t look nearly as svelte as Apple’s flagship. However, it does look fairly ergonomic, and seems to be running stock Android. This latter bit of information is definitely an advantage, as what we’ve heard of the specs doesn’t impress too much.

The phone is expected to be priced at $299 for the 16GB model, and $349 for the 32GB version. This is in line with its middling spec list, though the Nexus 4 still has the upper hand on the value for money front.

The first reviews of the Nokia Lumia 1020 are out, and as far as camera phones go, they’ve cooked up something special. Still, you would expect competition from other OEMs, and while we’re sure the upcoming iPhone 5S will have a fitting reply on the subject, the current rumoured competitor is the Sony flagship codenamed Honami – we spotted in a few leaked pictures recently.

Honami is rumoured to be packing a 20-megapixel shooter, which will be second in megapixel count only to the offerings from Nokia. However, as the camera in the Xperia Z proved, megapixels aren’t everything. The Lumia 1020 wins not because it takes pictures that are humungous, but because the camera software is so well thought-out, that it actually boosts picture quality. Also, there are thoughtful touches like the devoted camera button, the uber-useful Pro Cam app, and even the accessories (sold separately) like the camera grip and tripod.

Still, the Honami will be running Android (and, therefore, Instagram), so you’ll have a place to post your pictures other than your Facebook wall. The Lumia 1020, running Windows Phone 8, has no Instagram – yet. The Honami is also rumoured to feature specs worthy of a flagship, like a 5-inch 1080p display, a 2.2 GHz quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM and a massive 3,000 mAh battery. It looks enough like the Xperia Z to warrant flagship status, and all shall be revealed at Sony’s dedicated press event on the 4th of September at IFA in Berlin.